Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:29:14-3:30:18

The case for returning naval aviation to the Admiralty

Far Eastern plans would use carriers to ferry RAF aircraft, then send them back for their naval air groups. That delay supports the case for Admiralty control of naval aviation.

Fleet Air ArmInterservice RivalryNaval AviationRAF Coastal CommandRoyal Navy
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Question

What incontrovertible case could the Admiralty make in 1930 to recover the Fleet Air Arm and Coastal Command from the RAF?

Short answer

Show that the RAF's Far Eastern plans would delay carrier air groups by using the carriers to transport RAF aircraft first, requiring a return journey to collect naval aircraft.

Notes

RAF plans for a Far Eastern war are offered as the strongest case for returning maritime aviation to naval control. The plans described would send RAF aircraft east aboard carriers, then send the carriers back to collect their Fleet Air Arm aircraft. That timetable would delay the carriers' naval air groups reaching the theatre. The 1937 Inskip decision is linked to the exposure of those priorities. An adviser in the hypothetical 1930 setting would use the planning documents to show why the navy needed control of its own aviation.